September 2012

My Thyroid Cancer Learning Experience

Published on September 27, 2012

2810 views

Hi. My name is Melissa and I am a thyca survivor. My story begins one day when I was swimming in the pool at the gym and out of nowhere I noticed that I was starting to have a hard time breathing. It was different than hyperventilating because I was aware of how that felt; it was more like something was constricting my air. Mind you, at that point, I had been working out for years and had never had a problem of this nature. So when I started noticing it and it continued to get worse, I decided to make an appointment with my PCP who basically said it was allergies, gave me a prescription for allergies and sent me on my way. However, that didn’t help and I was worried that it was something else. Since I did not need a referral for my insurance, I made an appointment with an ENT that a friend of mine goes to. All this was in March of 2005. The ENT had X-rays of my sinuses done and ordered CAT scans. While reviewing the CAT scans of my sinuses, he was performing a standard a check and said “Did you know that you have a lump on your thyroid?”

That question led to a multitude of tests from thyroid ultrasound to Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) sonogram guided biopsy and eventually to a partial thyroidectomy, removing the left side of my thyroid on Friday, August 12, 2005. The frozen nodule biopsy did not show signs of cancer. My family and I were so relieved and the ENT told my family, “No wonder she was having trouble breathing; there was a tumor almost the size of a tennis ball pressing against her wind pipe!”

Well, I was relieved but don’t remember much from the day of surgery because the anesthesia hit me hard, and I never woke up until 10:00 that night at which time I wanted food. The cafeteria was closed, but they were able to get me chicken broth and crackers. Yuck. My parathyroid glands were fine since I had an excellent surgeon, so the next day I was ready to go home for recovery.

By Monday, the doctor’s office tracked me down at my parents’ house where I had gone for recovery to get me in to see the doctor ASAP. I remember hanging up the phone and my dad asked me what was wrong – he hugged me and I cried.

So, by Wednesday that week, we drove back to Erie to meet with my ENT surgeon who proceeded to tell me that the tumor was a 4 cm follicular carcinoma mass which he said was encapsulated and proceeded to give me my options of leaving the remainder of the thyroid and having RAI (Radiation Ablation Iodine) or having it removed then having RAI. I chose to have it removed. By Friday, one week later, I was having a second surgery to remove the remainder of my thyroid. I kept joking with my family that the incision from the first surgery was like a zipper that they were going to just unzip and remove the rest. Again, I had to spend the night in the hospital and the next day I was at the nurse’s station begging to go home. Hospital stays are not my favorite thing. My calcium levels were good, my parathyroid glands were holding their own so I was permitted to go back to my parents’ home in Clarion for recovery and return to Erie in a week for suture removal and surgery follow up. From what I remember, since it’s been seven years, my ENT put me on Cytomel after my surgery. I don’t remember the dose.

The follow-up appointment day was less tense than the week before since the major part, the surgeries, were already done. We received the results of the second pathology and it was a good decision to go ahead with the second surgery because the right side showed a focus of follicular variant papillary carcinoma. The time frame before surgeries and RAI seemed like forever. I had my RAI in November of 2005. I went back to work after four weeks, which ended up being too stressful for me. As a result, I had to consult with my doctor and have that changed to part time for a couple weeks to let my body adjust to having no thyroid and coping in a stressful work environment. I suffered extreme fatigue and had a hard time focusing at work.

In the meantime, my ENT set me up with RAI and had me start Synthroid after RAI.

RAI was a challenge because of hormone withdrawal and having NO thyroid and trying to push myself everyday to still work full-time. This was tough, but I managed to function. They administered 168.8Mcis and sent me on my way home for isolation for a week. Not fun. I was fortunate that my only side effect at the time was fatigue and a horrible metallic taste that lasted for quite a while. A few months later, I ended up with salivary gland issues. Also not fun.

After my isolation was up, I went back to work full-time. I don’t know how I held up but I managed to function. Adrenaline kept me going most days; then I would go home and crash hard.

I did not have an endo in the picture until 2006. I do not remember the exact date. This began TSH suppression and years of what I refer to as “thyroid crap.” I did not tolerate TSH suppression well and had many side effects that I counteracted with various prescriptions. The first couple years were struggles and worries of whether or not the cancer was gone. After five scans and clean ultra-sounds, I remain cancer-free. Thank goodness!

However, the struggles were not just with TSH suppression. My first scan was administered with hormone withdrawal and it was horrible. I managed to keep working full-time up until I had to take the radioactive iodine pill for the scan. Then I took a few days off work because of the I-131 scan dose, not to mention the fact that I was extremely run down. After that, I went back to work full-time and waited to hear from the doctor’s office about when I could go back on my Synthroid. One week went by; no call. So I began calling and was told the CRNP[1] was on vacation. The endo’s office was going through a move at that time also, so it was chaos for their office staff. I gave up and put myself back on my Synthroid. I had to function.

Somewhere in this craziness, I found a flyer at my endocrinologist’s office on thyca from the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. I joined their Yahoo support group to help me through the challenges I faced. I have since became a member of this association so that I can help others as they have helped me.

Seven years later, and five clean scans and many clean ultrasounds: I am ready to take control of my life again. I am very sensitive to Synthroid changes and TSH suppression. Now I am hypothyroid for no apparent reason and have an endo who doesn’t seem to care about getting to the root of the cause. His answer is to keep increasing my Synthroid until the TSH goes back down and the Free T4 goes up. He says that I am converting enough Free T3 and refuses to put me on a T3 medication. Also, he does not even consider any other regimens such as NDT. Endocrinologists like this are the true reason that we need ThyroidChange.

I encourage everyone to get their necks checked frequently. If you have an annual physical, have your doctor check it then.

As I sit and write my story, I realize that I haven’t even touched on many of the issues that I would have liked to as it would probably end up being way too long.

What I would like for you to take from this story, is remember that you know your body. If something does not seem right, then get it checked out.

Don’t settle – it’s your body and your health. Be your own advocate!

Although my situation is still a work in progress, I now possess more knowledge to continue the fight against cancer and I am now against what I feel is inadequate thyroid treatment. Thank you to ThyCa, Thyroid Sexy, Half Pint, ThyroidChange, Stop the Thyroid Madness and all other individuals and groups that have helped me.

As I work to remedy my own struggles, I also thrive to help others through theirs.

Good luck in your journeys and best of health!

[1] Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner

This article was posted previously on ThyroidChange and re-posted with permission.

Can Hormonal Contraceptives Affect Your Relationship?

by Elena Perez

Published on September 26, 2012

1624 views

So you think you’ve met the perfect man: You complete each other’s sentences, you both love David Sedaris, and he’s destined to be the father of your children. But before you start planning your wedding date, you need to stop and consider your hormones.

Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Preferences

It’s been established that a woman’s preference in male characteristics and traits changes according to her menstrual cycle.

In 1999, Nature published a study that found the menstrual cycle alters a woman’s preference in male facial features. Women are more likely to prefer masculine features, which represent the partner’s immunological competence, or the ability to resist and fight off disease, during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Since women are more likely to conceive during the last five days of the follicular phase, which ends in ovulation, researchers believe the preference in masculine features is an evolutionary strategy aimed at benefiting her offspring.

There are a number of studies that have shown women prefer the scent of men with symmetrical features when they are most fertile: right before and after ovulation. Symmetrical features are thought to be indicators of good traits, which, again, would be more important when a woman is fertile and traits can be passed down to offspring.

But for long-term relationships, women preferred men with feminine features. Women in the study felt men with feminine features were more likely to contribute to parental care, which would benefit themselves.

What About Women on the Pill?

Women who are not on the pill are influenced by their menstrual cycle when choosing their mates, selecting traits that either indicate a man has good genes or dependable characteristics. Oral contraception, however, is thought to suppress these shifting interests, but does it matter?

A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences tested the quality and longevity of relationships based on whether or not women were using oral contraceptives when they chose their partners. The researchers found that hormonal contraceptives were, in fact, likely to affect the outcome of the relationships.

The researchers reported that women who selected their mates while using oral contraceptives were less sexually satisfied and less attracted to their partners than the women who formed partnerships when they were not on the pill. Indeed, women who met their partners while on the pill experienced an increase in sexual dissatisfaction as the relationship continued. Moreover, if the relationships didn’t last, the women who used hormonal contraceptives when picking their partners were more often the ones to break it off.

These same women, however, were more satisfied with the non-sexual aspects of their relationships, such as their partners’ ability to provide for the family financially, which resulted in longer-lasting relationships that were less likely to end in separation.

Scientists believe these results are due to oral contraceptives’ ability to suppress a woman’s natural inclination towards masculinity or dominance while fertile. Instead, women taking the pill are content forming partnerships with men who have characteristics of “high-quality paternal investment” (read: team players) because the hormonal contraceptives mimic the low-fertility phase of the menstrual cycle.

While partnering with a team player doesn’t seem like a bad alternative, sexual dissatisfaction may eventually outweigh any positive aspects of cooperation, which is something women may want to consider.

Thoughts on Hormonal Contraceptives

It seems that more women are looking for partners that are team players, but why is this? The modern woman wants a family and a career, and partnering with a team player would be the best way to maintain sanity. On the other hand, is it possible that we are searching for cooperative partners because we are influenced by the hormonal contraceptives we rely on to help plan our lives?

You may want to ask yourself, Was I on the pill when I met him? Researchers even suggest switching to non-hormonal contraceptives several months before saying “I do” to test your unwavering feelings for your partner.

Of course, the research emphasized that “the reasons for any relationship’s survival or dissolution are complex and not limited to contraceptive choice at its inception.” Nonetheless, the affect hormones have on our relationships is getting our attention.

Study Reveals: Science Favors Male Students

by Lisbeth Prifogle, MFA

Published on September 24, 2012

1433 views

In college, I attended a “Women in Science” seminar. I wasn’t in a science course, nor did I have any interest in majoring in anything science, but I love learning as much as I can about any subject – especially when it’s free (or in that case, rather expensive if you included it with tuition). I can’t remember what the majority of the lecture was about or if it was just to promote the Women in Science club, but I distinctly remember part of the discussion being on how few female scientists there were (presumably are, that was less than 10 years ago). A new study reveals part of the reason why there is such a discrepancy.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) published these findings:

“In a randomized double-blind study (n = 127), science faculty from research-intensive universities rated the application materials of a student—who was randomly assigned either a male or female name—for a laboratory manager position. Faculty participants rated the male applicant as significantly more competent and hireable than the (identical) female applicant. These participants also selected a higher starting salary and offered more career mentoring to the male applicant. The gender of the faculty participants did not affect responses, such that female and male faculty were equally likely to exhibit bias against the female student.”

This is not good news for women in or interested in science. Any ideas on how to change this attitude? Do you think this bias of a male preference and dominance has an effect on studies conducted, topics picked, or even outcomes?

Photo by George Joch / courtesy Argonne National Laboratory, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

New Program for Patients to Report Medical Errors

by Chandler Marrs, PhD

Published on September 23, 2012

1642 views

Medical error represents the sixth leading cause of preventable death and disability in the United States. Understanding and ultimately reducing the number of medical complications, mistakes and unsafe practices requires an easy and effective program for reporting these types of events. It is nearly impossible to improve upon or even manage what is not measured consistently.

Until recently, there was no mechanism for a patient or a patient’s family to report an adverse event, a mistake or complication from his or her medical care or hospitalization (a few private sector, direct-to-consumer, medication adverse events registries have sprung up recently). Since only physicians and other healthcare providers could make those reports, and because reporting is voluntary, those data have not been reported consistently.

The Obama Administration and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality announced a new federal pilot program that allows patients to report medical mistakes or unsafe practices directly to a registry.The data will then be analyzed by independent data analytics and healthcare experts to determine trends and recommend improvements.

According to the New York Times, the new registry will ask patients what happened, the details of the event and try to ascertain the cause of the event by asking about the contributing factors such as:

“A doctor, nurse or other health care provider did not communicate well with the patient or the patient’s family.”
“A health care provider didn’t respect the patient’s race, language or culture.”
“A health care provider didn’t seem to care about the patient.”
“A health care provider was too busy.”
“A health care provider didn’t spend enough time with the patient.”
“Health care providers failed to work together.”
“Health care providers were not aware of care received someplace else”

The administration hopes these data can be used to reduce medical errors, improve patient safety and medical outcomes and ultimately, save money. While some physicians worry that patients are not sufficiently educated to understand the differences between an expected complication and a medical error, others laud the wealth of information and data that will be gathered.

As a family member of a patient who experienced multiple, life-threatening, medical errors and unsafe practices during a particular hospital stay, I think it’s about time. What do you think?

Over-Prescribing Antibiotics

by Elena Perez

Published on September 21, 2012

2217 views

As the school year begins and cold and flu season approach, it is important to remember that antibiotics do not work for cold and flu or other viral infections. New research shows that our over-reliance on antibiotics is linked to a marked increase in the number of serious, long-term side effects experienced by patients and deadly infections that are resistant to most, and sometimes all, antibiotics.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, but the excessive use and misuse of antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones (Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox), is linked to serious side effects, such as retinal detachment and acute kidney failure, according to a recent report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The fluoroqinolones are also associated with tendon rupture, prompting the FDA to issue black box warnings and spawning thousands of lawsuits.

Researchers speculate that because doctors are eager to provide a solution and patients expect prescription medications for most illnesses, antibiotics are often prescribed when they are not needed or are misprescribed- a newer, more potent antibiotic is selected when an older, safer antibiotic would suffice.

Over the last two years, the number of reported adverse events for a certain class of antibiotics-the fluoroquinolones has increased drastically. The adverse events for Levaquin, a potent antibiotic, meant for the most serious and often life-threatening bacterial infections, has increased significantly along with its increase in use. A steadier increase in reported adverse events can be seen for ciprofloxacin (Cipro), another fluoroquinolone, on AdverseEvents.com, suggesting an increase in the use of Cipro since 2008.

In addition to having a negative impact on the patient’s health, the overuse of antibiotics is thought to be responsible for bacterial strains that have become resistant to many antibiotics. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or MRSA, is one strain of staph bacteria that has become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat it.

MRSA infections are becoming more frequent in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and even in school locker rooms where large groups of people reside or congregate and individuals with weakened immune systems are present. Just one look at MRSA makes the risks of antibiotic over-use apparent. Here’s another picture.

Next time you have the cold or flu, remember antibiotics don’t work on viral infections. If you do have a bacterial infection, work with your physician to find the most effective antibiotic or treatment. There may be alternative options. The point is, before you request antibiotics for the cold or flu or other conditions, ask if there are alternatives, ask if the medication is linked to any adverse effects and if there are other safer antibiotics than the one being prescribed.

Read more about the adverse effects tied to fluoroquinolones at the New York Times.

From Chrysalis to Butterfly: My Thyroid Journey

by Sarah Downing

Published on September 20, 2012

2698 views

Change is something that we fear
And yet we’re happy when it’s here
It may rob you of all that’s dear
But is often more positive than it may appear

Progress is another game
That’s just change by another name
If we open up our heart and mind
We’ll know treasures of a different kind

The word change is often something that people tend to shy away from, partly because it carries an air of uncertainty, but also because it is associated with a great deal of hard work! Sometimes we know that change has to come and that we have to proactively change something and in such cases we may feel as if we hold the reins, but there are also times when change is thrust upon us and it is up to us what we make of it.

We may struggle to accept the fact that we are capable of adapting to many different situations because, as I wrote above, change scares us. But sometimes it can help us to reap unexpected rewards. In the case of many of the people reading this (myself included), change was thrust upon us in the form of a chronic illness: thyroid disease. Many of us were uncertain what we were dealing with upon our diagnosis and once we were finally diagnosed we were angry and resisted this change – Why me? This isn’t fair! What now?

But when we get sick we have to go through a period of acceptance and realize that we have been presented with a challenge to overcome, whether we like it or not. While faced with these uncertainties and fears, it is okay to mourn the passing of our good health and it is also alright to be emotional and angry – in fact, letting out our emotions and possibly talking to others in the same situation can help us to move on and proactively tackle the life cards we have been dealt. Chronic illness is definitely about acceptance and it’s all about redefining what “getting better” means to you because sometimes it is about the acceptance of realizing that when you are better you may still be changed and different, but learning to live with this and love yourself regardless.

As you will know, the thyroid resembles the shape of a butterfly and, like a chrysalis chronic illness, forces us to go through a transformation. Make no mistake: There will be roadblocks along the way. There will be times when you stumble and fall and feel like you are never going to get up again, but you will and you will probably be wiser and stronger for it, as well as better able to deal with the next roadblock that comes along, even if at times those roadblocks start to look awfully familiar!

In my poem above, I doubt that any of us would agree with the second line – nobody is going to welcome chronic illness with open arms. We’d prefer to tell it to “piss off!”, but down the line some of us will look back and be happy that we have come this far. Many have commented that their diagnosis has improved their life by making them more aware of their health, making them more empathic towards others and allowing them to make a whole host of wonderful friends. Indeed, these points resonate with me, particularly the last one. We moved back to the US in December of 2011 and since that time we’ve been taking the opportunity to meet up with many of my online thyroid friends – it’s been a blast and has meant that we’ve felt a lot less alone than we would have otherwise. Pre thyroid diagnosis I knew little to nothing about health and medicine and now I feel much more in control of my own body, even if it doesn’t always cooperate!

Change is a very emotive word that can come about in a variety of ways. Many people argue that without change there would be no progress and yet others are afraid of the word and avoid it as much as possible. Some people however don’t have this choice and find that change is thrust upon them – through a change in lifestyle due to a necessary move; by splitting up with or losing a loved one; by losing a job and being forced to change careers; by falling ill and having to take time out to recuperate and ultimately re-evalute our life and what we want from it; by discovering an unexpected gift and feeling the need to develop this; by welcoming a new member to our family …

I personally have experienced all these situations and more and the one lesson I have learned time and again is this: it is not about the change itself; it is about one’s attitude to said change and how you deal with it. Positivity and optimism (even when it might seem difficult) can go a long way to turning even the most negative of changes into something positive, albeit at first glance these changes might make us feel as if we are doomed.

Moving, as scary and trepidating as it might seem, particularly if the move is not a voluntary one, can be seen as an opportunity to explore a new place and broaden our horizons. My husband and I lived in Germany for many years, a country where we rarely felt at home, but looking back I believe that the majority of expats (us included) would say that they don’t regret living abroad because it truly broadens your horizons and your intercultural skills.

I can remember splitting up with past partners as I recall the deep pain I experienced by severing that bond, but I personally believe that if a relationship is meant to be both parties will either mutually make the effort to work it out, e.g. through marital counseling, taking a time out and then resuming the relationship or, alternatively, if it is not meant to be, you will move on to a new and more harmonious beginning. When I broke up with one of my exes M, it was an extremely painful time, but looking back it was also liberating because I was forced to come to the painful realization that we were not right together and I was finally liberated to be myself rather than someone he thought he could mold me into. I was ultimately free to go ahead and live my life and eventually meet my husband Corey who truly accepts me for who I am.

When it comes to jobs, about 10 years ago I did an internship in PR and marketing and was unfairly bullied and consequently ended up prematurely quitting my position. I was in a panic as to what would come next and how on earth I was going to drum up enough money to pay my rent in a foreign country. But within just a short time, what seemed a curse had turned into a blessing. During my internship, I had realized that I was a talented translator and so after I left that company that is the career I ended up pursuing and was soon earning many times more than I had been at the poorly paid, exploitative internship and felt much more appreciated and fulfilled.

A few years after that, thyroid disease forced me to slow down and smell the daisies. Since I was a little girl, I’ve had a passion for writing, but in recent years have had trouble coming up with inspiration for things to write about. I realized a long time ago that I like helping others, but how to go about it? When I fell ill, I was given the answer. I was given the opportunity to turn a negative experience into a positive one by sharing my experiences with others in my situation and putting pen to paper was a cathartic and therapeutic experience that taught me about how I was feeling and also enabled me to mentally heal and get past certain blocks that had previously hindered my path.

These are just a few examples of how something that is initially perceived as a negative change can in fact be turned into a positive change and how we have the power in our own hands to do this! It requires us to believe in ourselves and realize that sometimes we have to expect the unexpected. As human beings, we are very skilled at adaptation and transformation – like Andersen’s ugly ducking (who was modeled on himself, by the way), we do have the power to become a shining swan; like Hank Morgan, Mark Twain’s Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, we can adapt to the craziest of situations and as a chrysalis we can turn into a butterfly – a thyroid butterfly in all its gorgeous colors! ThyroidChange itself is a prime example of how a few people have the power to inspire others by taking a dream and making it happen. As weak as each of us may feel at times, together we are a powerful resource and support for each other. There is no need for us to accept the status quo because, as others before us have proven, we have the power to change it if we only try.

About the author: A long-time writer and blogger, Sarah was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in August 2009. This inspired her to use her writing skills to help and encourage others in similar situations. She writes regularly for ThyroidChange.

This article was posted previously on ThyroidChange and re-posted with permission.

Wal-Mart to Offer HPV Vaccine

by Lisbeth Prifogle, MFA

Published on September 15, 2012

2325 views

Now, in addition to low priced groceries and other goods, your local Wal-Mart will offer nurse kiosks ready to inject you or your child with a variety of vaccines. Wal-Mart is joining other stores, like Walgreens and CVS, in offering walk-through health clinics. According to recent reports, Wal-Mart will be the first to offer the controversial HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix.

At Hormones Matter^TM, we have written a lot about Gardasil and the HPV vaccine questioning its safety. Gardasil: Miracle or Deadly Vaccine?, Is Gardasil Mandated in Your State?, What About the Pap Smear?. For a very heartbreaking story at the dangerous side effects of this story please read A Ruined Life from Gardasil. HPV is a very common virus that many experts believe the body can fight off by itself; with annual pap smear tests a doctor can easily catch and remove any abnormal cells before they become cancer.

The trend of selling direct-to-consumer vaccines, like that of selling over-the-counter medications is time-saving and logical on the one hand, but is troubling on the other, especially with vaccines and medications that have less than stellar safety profiles. Any product sold direct-to-consumer comes with the false presumption that it is entirely safe. Indeed, we have consumer protection agencies to ensure that this is the case with most products. Consumers often mistakenly assume that over-the-counter medications are safe because there is a consumer protection agency protecting their well-being, otherwise the product would not be on the market. Unlike a toy with a choking hazard or a product batch with a chemical contaminant, where the cause and effect are obvious and easily remedied with recall, the direct side-effects or adverse reactions of medications or vaccines are difficult to recognize and more difficult to prove, even under the most regulated of circumstances. When medications or vaccines are sold over-the-counter, it is nearly impossible.

The over-the-counter vaccines effectively remove any ability for physicians, researchers or patients identify side-effects. Selling over-the-counter vaccines is a boon to the pharmaceutical industry, however. With this single move the industry can sell more vaccines, the vaccines become safe in the eyes of the consumer while the industry removes the ability to prove otherwise, and a brilliant, albeit less than ethical, corporate strategy is pushed on consumers.

What do you think, should vaccines be available at the local pharmacy?

Hormones Matter^TM is conducting research on the side effects and adverse events associated with Gardasil and its counterpart Cervarix. If you or your daughter has had either HPV vaccine, please take this important survey. The Gardasil Cervarix HPV Vaccine Survey.

Oral Contraceptives Linked to Heart Attack & Stroke

by Elena Perez

Published on September 15, 2012

2110 views

In June, researchers at the University of Copenhagen published the largest cohort study of hormonal contraceptives and their association with heart attacks and strokes. The study followed more than 1.6 million Danish women, ages 15 to 49, for a 15-year period between 1995 and 2009, allowing researchers to observe more than 14 million person-years, or the total number of years that oral contraceptives were used during this study.

The findings are worth mentioning.

Risk of Heart Attack and Thrombotic Stroke

Though researchers stated the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and thrombotic stroke (stroke from blood clotting) was quite low, the study still showed a link between the two. Overall, 21 strokes and 10 heart attacks occurred for every 100,000 person-years of study.

The Type of Hormone Can Increase Risk

Women who took oral contraceptives with 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol increased their risk of heart attack by a factor of 1.7. Using 30 to 40 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol increased strokes by a factor of 1.3 and heart attacks by a factor of 2.3. The type of progestin, however, only changed the risk slightly, according to researchers.

Since the type of hormones used in oral contraceptives can increase the risk of heart attack or thrombotic stroke, women should ask their doctors about the dosage and types of hormones in their oral contraceptives and why the brand was chosen for them. It is important for women to question the prescriptions they are given, because FDA regulations may not be sufficient.

Yasmin is an example of a hormonal contraceptive that uses ethinyl estradiol. AdverseEvents.com has 16,546 adverse reports listed for Yasmin. Of these, 9,847 of the reports suspect that Yasmin is the primary reason for various illnesses, such as pulmonary embolism (blockage of the main artery of the lung), and deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a deep vein).

In May of 2011, the FDA reported that studies show women using oral contraceptives with drospirenone are two to three times more likely to suffer from venous thromboembolism events (VTE), or blood clotting in the veins. The FDA stated it would evaluate results, but oral contraceptives that contain drospirenone, such as Yasmin, are still on the market.

Understanding the quantity and the type of hormones that are linked to adverse effects can help women determine which oral contraceptives are best for them. Bear in mind that a woman’s choice in oral contraceptives may change over time, depending on factors such as age.

Age Increases Risk of Heart Attack and Thrombotic Stroke

Women using oral contraceptives in the oldest age group, age 45 to 49, were found to have a higher risk of heart attack and thrombotic stroke than women in the youngest age group, between 15 and 19 years of age. The risk of thrombotic stroke increased by a factor of 20, while the risk of heart attack increased by a factor of 100 for women between the ages of 45 and 49.

The researchers felt this information was particularly important, since the risk of blood clotting and heart attack outweigh the risks of pregnancy. Risk of arterial thrombosis, or clotting of the arteries, increases after the age of 30, so women using oral contraceptives should be aware of the increased incidence of heart attack and stroke as they age, and may want to consider alternative forms of birth control.

Correlation Between Level of Education and Risk

The study also found that women with the highest level of education were less likely to have thrombotic strokes and heart attacks. In fact, educated women had half as many thrombotic strokes and only a third of the heart attacks as women with the lowest level of education.

There are a number of reasons that may account for why women with the highest level of education have a lower level of heart attacks and thrombotic stroke.

A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that one’s socioeconomic status, which takes into consideration education and occupation, does affect diet and nutrition. If women with the highest level of education are more likely to eat healthy meals and minimize consumption of fried food, their diet could be the reason for the reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke.

It is also likely that women with higher levels of education exercise more, thereby improving their heart conditions. Women with higher educations may be more aware that exercise can help maintain good health. It is also possible that women with lower levels of education have longer work hours and less time to exercise, which could negatively impact coronary health.

In addition to diet and exercise, women with higher levels of education may be more likely to stay abreast of news and current events that highlight which habits are considered healthy (like meditation) or harmful (like smoking), which pharmaceutical drugs are being evaluated (like Yasmin), and who can be trusted to provide unbiased information (question everything).

Share the Knowledge

One of the main researchers, Dr. Lidegaard, received grant support from Bayer Pharma, while lecture fees and travel reimbursements were paid by Bayer Denmark. He also provided testimony in a US legal case involving oral contraceptives and venous thromboembolism. Bayer happens to be the pharmaceutical company that makes Yasmin, the oral contraception reported on AdverseEvents.com.

The other main researcher, Dr. Løkkegaard, received travel reimbursement from Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Lybrel, an oral contraceptive with 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol. The Material Safety Data Sheet for Lybrel acknowledges its association with myocardial infarction, strokes, and blood clotting of the veins.

Women who recognize that a conflict of interest may produce biased results may wonder how low the risk of myocardial infarction and thrombotic stroke really is. It’s important to ask questions. It’s important to share knowledge. One way to educate women is by spreading the word.

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Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Preferences

What About Women on the Pill?

Thoughts on Hormonal Contraceptives

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Risk of Heart Attack and Thrombotic Stroke

The Type of Hormone Can Increase Risk

Age Increases Risk of Heart Attack and Thrombotic Stroke

Correlation Between Level of Education and Risk

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